“At the end of the day, 72% of Florida voters went to the ballot box and basically took the ability of the Legislature and the governor away when it comes to legalizing casino gambling outside of tribal lands in Florida. “We’re going to work hard to make sure that the will of the people is honored,” Sawinski said. “e express no opinion as to whether the Florida statute ratifying the Compact is constitutional … and as a prudential matter are best left for Florida’s courts to decide,” the ruling states. Sowinski cited a section of the ruling that stated a compact “cannot provide independent legal authority for gaming activity that occurs outside of Indian lands, where that activity would otherwise violate state law.” “We will continue working with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure the success of this historic compact – the largest gaming compact in US history – which will lead to over $20 billion in revenues for the people of Florida.” “While we are not surprised the lower court’s perplexing ruling was unanimously overturned, this is great news for Florida,” said governor’s office spokesman Jason Mahon. It also grants the Tribe the ability to award licenses to private racetracks, jai-alai facilities and former dog-racing tracks and allows their Hard Rock casinos in Florida to offer craps and roulette, including at their flagship properties in Tampa and Hollywood. Ron DeSantis, approved by the Legislature in 2021, gives the Tribe exclusive sports betting rights in the state for 30 years, in return for paying the state $500 million a year for at least the first five years. The compact between the Seminoles and Gov. “The will of the people will be respected, and the Florida constitution requires that Florida voters have the final word on gambling authorization.” “Today’s decision will not be the final word on this issue,” Sowinski said. Online gambling, the court said, was still subject to the state constitution, which requires voter approval for any expansion of gambling in the state, virtual or not. It posted a video of WWE wrestler The Undertaker, thought “dead” in his coffin, opening his eyes.īut John Sowinski, who heads the anti-gambling organization No Casinos, said the decision only upheld the Secretary of Interior’s decision not to oppose the compact.

The Twitter account for Hard Rock Sportsbook, part of the casino chain owned by the Tribe, hinted at what they may really be thinking. Spokesman Gary Bitner said in a statement the Tribe was “pleased with today’s unanimous decision” and that it was “fully reviewing the decision to determine its next steps.” The Seminole Tribe itself was noncommittal.

Florida online gaming law